discourage

[dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒ]

discourage Definition

• 1. to make someone feel less confident or enthusiastic about something
• 2. to try to prevent something from happening by making it seem difficult or bad

Using discourage: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "discourage" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  Don't let setbacks discourage you from pursuing your dreams.

• Example

  The high cost of living in the city discourages many people from moving there.

• Example

  The teacher's harsh criticism discouraged the student from continuing with the course.

• Example

  The rainy weather discouraged us from going on a picnic.

discourage Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for discourage

• deter
• dishearten
• dissuade
• daunt
• demoralize

Antonyms for discourage

• encourage
• inspire
• motivate

Idioms Using discourage

• a discouraging word

  negative feedback or criticism that can dampen one's spirits or enthusiasm

  Example

  Despite the discouraging words from her critics, she continued to pursue her passion for music.

• discouraged about something

  feeling disheartened or demotivated about something

  Example

  She was discouraged about her job prospects after being rejected from several interviews.

• discouraged by something

  feeling disheartened or demotivated because of something

  Example

  Many people are discouraged by the slow progress in addressing climate change.

Phrases with discourage

• discourage from

  to try to persuade someone not to do something

  Example

  I tried to discourage him from quitting his job, but he wouldn't listen.

• discourage someone's hopes

  to make someone feel less hopeful or optimistic

  Example

  The poor economic conditions have discouraged many people's hopes for a better future.

• discourage investment

  to make investing seem unattractive or risky

  Example

  The unstable political situation has discouraged foreign investment in the country.

Origins of discourage

from Old French 'descouragier', meaning 'to dishearten'

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Summary: discourage in Brief

The verb 'discourage' [dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒ] means to make someone feel less confident or enthusiastic about something, or to try to prevent something from happening by making it seem difficult or bad. It can be used in phrases like 'discourage from,' as in 'I tried to discourage him from quitting his job.' 'Discourage' also appears in idioms like 'a discouraging word,' which refers to negative feedback or criticism that can dampen one's spirits or enthusiasm.